Demolition scheduled on former Victoria supportive housing site, as B.C. mulls property’s future

The former site of Queens Manor, which is being demolished this year.

A former supportive housing facility that’s been sitting vacant for nearly a year is being prepared for demolition, and the province is rethinking the land’s future use.

The Victoria property at 710 Queens Ave. off Douglas Street was operated by Cool Aid Society and is owned by the province through BC Housing.

Tenants from Queens Manor were moved to purpose-built supportive housing on Balmoral Avenue in July 2024, and the building has been empty since.

BC Housing said that presents a security risk. The building also had plumbing issues and is nearing the end of its lifespan.

“We are currently working with community partners to find the best potential long-term options for the site as part of our work to support people who need it most,” said Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon, in a statement. “We have been working to deliver more supportive homes across B.C. We know there is more work to do, and we’re going to keep building housing in communities across B.C. to get people inside and out of tents.”

Crews can be seen at the Queens Ave site collecting garbage. There’s also cautionary “asbestos” tape marking some areas.

According to BC Housing, neighbours were sent letters in early May advising them of the demolition. It’s scheduled to start later this month and should be finished by end of August.